HP Compaq StorageWorks TL881 DLT Mini-Library - Manual (Page 59)

Operation 2-33
■ Shake the cartridge while listening for the sound of a broken part. Any
rattling sound makes a cartridge unfit for use.
■ Inspect the case for distortion or cracks.
■ Inspect the leader by opening the cartridge door as shown in Figure 2–
46. The leader should be positioned as shown in view (1), and should
protrude at about a five-degree angle from the case. If the leader is out
of position, do not use the cartridge; damage to the drive could result.
Under certain conditions, DLT Tape may stick to the drive read/write head
during operation. Damage to media, failure of commands or batch jobs to
execute, with resulting errors or hangs; failure to unload; apparent need to
swap out the drive.
When tapes are stored in an environment different from that of the drive,
ensure that they are acclimatized, by moving them to a location in close
proximity to the drive before attempting to use them. Ideally, tapes should be
allowed to acclimate for a time equal to the duration of their storage away
from the drive, or 24 hours, whichever is less.
Reports have verified that sticking will occur almost immediately with older,
used tapes which have been stored at 20
°
C and 75% humidity, when those
tapes are used in a TZ87 drive kept at a higher temperature and lower
humidity. High tape humidity causes sticking from HYDROLYSIS, a
degradation of the tape which can be reversed by storing the tape for a while in
a dry environment Test conditions (cool, damp tapes and warm, dry drives)
have produced “stiction” at will, but other conditions may also cause it.
Remember to acclimatize tapes before use. Long-term storage specifications
are more stringent than those for shorter periods. Cartridges intended for long-
term archiving shall be stored in room conditions of 23
°
C +/-5 (73
°
F +/-9 at
50% +/-10% relative humidity.